Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll How To Wow Guests in 7 Steps

Picture this Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll gracing your holiday table – a stunning spiral of fluffy vanilla sponge cake wrapped around luscious raspberry jam and velvety cream cheese filling, adorned with fresh berries and delicate rosemary sprigs that scream festive elegance. Last December, I watched my dinner guests’ faces light up when I unveiled this showstopping dessert, and honestly, their gasps of delight made every minute of preparation worth it.

This festive cake roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a French patisserie, yet it’s surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of tangy raspberry filling cake layers creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that embody the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or attending a holiday potluck, this raspberry roulade tutorial will guide you through creating a dessert that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I attempted a Christmas roll cake step by step – I was terrified it would crack or fall apart completely. But here’s the beautiful truth about this holiday dessert with raspberries: it’s incredibly forgiving and actually quite therapeutic to make. The gentle rolling motion and the gorgeous swirl pattern that emerges never fails to give me that same childlike excitement I felt decorating Christmas cookies as a kid.

What makes this one of my favorite easy holiday baking recipes is how it perfectly balances impressive presentation with manageable technique. The whipped white chocolate ganache adds an luxurious touch that makes every bite feel like a special occasion, while the fresh raspberries provide bursts of brightness that cut through the richness beautifully. Plus, you can prepare it a day ahead, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your guests’ company on Christmas day.

Looking to complete your holiday menu? Explore more festive dinner recipes here to create the perfect Christmas feast alongside this stunning dessert.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this spectacular Christmas raspberry cake roll:

Component	Ingredient	Amount
Vanilla Sponge Cake	All-purpose flour	3/4 cup (95g)
	Baking powder	1 tsp (4g)
	Salt	1/2 tsp (2g)
	Eggs	4
	Sugar	2/3 cup (135g)
	Vanilla extract	1 tsp (5g)
	Vegetable oil	2 tbsp (28g)
Raspberry Jam Filling	Fresh or frozen raspberries	10 oz (300g)
	Sugar	1/4 cup (50g)
	Lemon juice	1 tbsp (15ml)
Cream Cheese Filling	Cream cheese (room temperature)	9 oz (250g)
	Powdered sugar	1/2 cup (60g)
	Vanilla extract	1 tsp (5g)
	Whipping cream (chilled)	1 cup (240g)
For the Filling	Fresh raspberries	9 oz (250g)
Whipped White Chocolate Ganache	White chocolate	6 oz (180g)
	Whipping cream	1/4 cup (60g)
	Salt	pinch
For Decorating	Fresh raspberries	as needed
	Star anise	as needed
	Fresh rosemary	as needed
	Powdered sugar	for dusting

Ready to plan your complete holiday menu? Find more festive lunch ideas here to complement this elegant dessert perfectly.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Jam
Start by combining fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until thick and pale. Fold in vanilla extract and oil, then gently incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake and Roll the Cake
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately turn the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake with the towel and let cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Make the White Chocolate Ganache
Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped white chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, add a pinch of salt, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Whip the cooled ganache until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the raspberry jam evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer the cream cheese filling over the jam, then sprinkle fresh raspberries on top. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, seam-side down.

Step 7: Final Decoration
Transfer to a serving platter and spread the whipped white chocolate ganache over the entire roll. Decorate with fresh raspberries, star anise, and rosemary sprigs. Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Exact Timing to make Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll

• Raspberry jam preparation: 15 minutes
• Sponge cake mixing and baking: 25 minutes
• Cooling time: 45 minutes
• Cream cheese filling: 10 minutes
• White chocolate ganache: 40 minutes (including chilling)
• Assembly and decoration: 20 minutes
• Total active time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Here’s the comprehensive nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	385	19%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	11g	55%
Trans Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	95mg	32%
Sodium	285mg	12%
Total Carbohydrates	52g	17%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Total Sugars	45g	–
Added Sugars	32g	64%
Protein	6g	12%
Vitamin C	15mg	17%
Calcium	95mg	7%
Iron	1.2mg	7%
Potassium	185mg	4%

The raspberries provide significant antioxidants and vitamin C, while the cream cheese contributes protein and calcium. The white chocolate ganache adds indulgent richness but also increases the saturated fat content.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll into a more nutritious treat with these smart ingredient swaps:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
All-purpose flour	Almond flour or whole wheat pastry flour	Higher protein, fiber, and nutrients
Full-fat cream cheese	Greek yogurt cream cheese or light cream cheese	40% less fat, more protein
Regular sugar	Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener	Lower glycemic index, reduced calories
Heavy cream	Coconut cream or whipped Greek yogurt	Dairy-free option or higher protein
White chocolate	Sugar-free white chocolate or cashew cream	Reduced sugar and calories
Vegetable oil	Unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt	Less fat, added moisture

For a completely dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for all dairy components and use vegan cream cheese. Those following a gluten-free diet can replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. To reduce sugar content by 30%, use a combination of stevia and erythritol while maintaining the cake’s structure and sweetness.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore more delicious Desserts here to discover additional healthy holiday treats.

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Presentation Ideas
Slice your Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll with a sharp serrated knife, wiping it clean between cuts to maintain those beautiful spiral layers. Serve on chilled dessert plates with a drizzle of additional raspberry coulis and a small dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra festive touch, garnish each plate with candied cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Perfect Pairing Options
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, Earl Grey tea, or a glass of sparkling prosecco for adult gatherings. The tartness of the raspberries complements creamy vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet served alongside. For a sophisticated finish to your holiday meal, consider serving smaller portions as part of a dessert trio with chocolate truffles and seasonal fruit.

Make-Ahead Service Strategy
Prepare the cake roll up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come to room temperature while maintaining the cream’s structure. This timing ensures optimal texture and taste while reducing last-minute holiday stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Baking the Sponge Cake
The most critical error when making a Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll is over-baking the sponge, which results in a dry, brittle cake that cracks during rolling. Test doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back immediately. The cake should appear set but still slightly moist, as it will continue cooking briefly from residual heat.

Rolling When Too Hot or Too Cold
Timing the rolling process is crucial for success. Rolling the cake while it’s too hot can cause the filling to melt, while a completely cold cake will crack. The sweet spot is when the cake is warm to the touch but not steaming hot. Always roll it first with the towel while warm, then unroll when completely cool for filling.

Using Cold Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese creates lumpy, difficult-to-spread filling that can tear your delicate sponge cake. Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for at least 2 hours before use. This allows for smooth mixing and even distribution, preventing the dreaded lumps that can ruin your cake roll’s appearance.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines
Store your completed Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or covered with a cake dome. It will maintain optimal freshness for up to 4 days when properly stored. The cream cheese filling requires consistent cold temperatures to prevent spoilage, so avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze the entire undecorated roll, then add fresh garnishes after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, as gradual temperature change prevents condensation that could make the cake soggy.

Maintaining Quality
To preserve the cake’s appearance and texture, slice only what you plan to serve immediately. Cover the cut end with plastic wrap to prevent the exposed cake from drying out. If the white chocolate ganache loses its luster after refrigeration, gently warm it with a hair dryer on cool setting for a few seconds to restore its glossy finish.

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